It was not uncommon for men to have two or three wives in different plantations,--the second, or remoter, partner being called a "'broad wife,"-- i.e.wife abroad.
But the whole tendency was toward marriage, and this state of things was only regarded as a bequest from "mas'r time." I knew a great deal about their marriages, for they often consulted me, and took my counsel as lovers are wont to do,--that is, when it pleased their fancy.

Sometimes they would consult their captains first, and then come to me in despairing appeal.

"Cap'n Scroby [Trowbridge] he acvise me not for marry dis lady, 'cause she hab seben chil'en.

What for use?
Cap'n Scroby can't lub for me.

I mus' lub for myself, and I lub he." I remember that on this occasion "he" stood by, a most unattractive woman, jet black, with an old pink muslin dress, torn white cotton gloves, and a very flowery bonnet, that must have descended through generations of tawdry mistresses.
I felt myself compelled to reaffirm the decision of the inferior court.
The result was as usual.